San Diego Community

Toyota says there appears to be nothing wrong with the runaway Prius. We if you believe Toyota or local Prius owner James Sikes?

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James Sikes' allegation of the runaway Prius is suspect. Considering he has filed bankruptcy in 08 with a 700K debt. Is this a way for Sikes to take advantage of owning a Toyota? Additionally, i don't understand how the police officer can make statements that he was stepping on the breaks without having scene the foot on the pedal? Lastly, does he know that he is making it difficult for credible complaints for to be filed with Toyota itself? -- Gino

it sounds like another balloon boy hoax -- Mitch

I am on the side of James Sykes...he experienced something wrong with his Prius two weeks before, and like any concerned car owner, took it into the dealership. Toyota should have treated this case with the same diligence as the other recalled vehicles. -- Robert

i had my 2010 camry towed to frank's toyota recently for the same reason of "acceleration". but it seems that a "cannot duplicate" reason is the common excuse. i had told them that there is humming sound comming from the engine long after the engine has been shut-off, as if the ignition is still on. but they said that everything is a-ok and they could not find any problems. hopefylly, they (toyota) could finally find the problems of their product to prevent accidents in the future. -- Ben

I believe the driver was lying from day one, if was obvious from his body language, he face was one of what did I get myself into. He did not think it would get this big. Also the 911 operator told him repeatedly to put his car in neutral and he never did. The unfortunate thing with this incident is that he is helping Toyota case that people are taking advantage of them. -- Amos

i think this is very dangerous and it should be taken care of. -- Alberto

James Sykes is embarassing all Californians. His weak attempts at fabricating a case against Toyota are going to be proven impossible and fraudulent. If he owned the car for 2-3 years before any problems then why now? -- Robert

We asked your opinion on Open Carry gun laws.

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If she is so worried about seeing openly carried firearms maybe she should urge the Sheriff's to make it less difficult to get a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) in this jurisdiction and allow more qualified people to get a CCW. Then people would not have to carry them openly. -- David

I think your news team should investigate how other cities that have removed gun rights from law abiding citizens have worked out. As far as I can tell the cities with the most restrictive gun laws appear to have the highest crime rates, including the most violent of crime rates. New york City and Washington D.C. come to mind. How have cities faired that have conceled carry permits in the fight against vioilent crimes, or cities that are more accepting of gun ownership in general. It is understood that crime still exists in these cities, but where is there any evidence that removing the rights of lawful citizens made any cities safer. I believe this a great misconception of what makes our society safe.All you have to do to see how well an armed police force can protect you is watch the news. -- Martin

How many crimes are committed by people carrying unloaded guns? I'm just curious if she has those statistics so that we know it is unsafe. I'm pretty sure we have always had that right and should probably keep it. -- Todd

669,000 legal gun owners in the USA didn't kill anyone today. Guns don't kill people, people kill people !!! Open carry is our 2nd Amendment right as americans -- Carl

If criminals can carry weapons concealed.....then why can't legimate/responsible gun owners who have passed a government background check?? This is another right that is being taken away by Democrats. -- Todd

Saldana claims to not be against gun ownership, however, she is opposed to an exposed carry of the weapon. Saldana is moving us one step closer to removing our right to bear arms. -- Jose

We asked your opinion on Toyota's response to acceleration problems.

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No, Toyota has not stepped up to the plate about this acceleration problem. Instead they have thrown all kinds of excuses to avoid making the necessary corrections and thereby endangering those with and without their vehicles. This is an outrage. I will never trust Toyota again by purchasing their vehicles. I pray my Lexus will not leave me or another human dead, since I haven't been notified of any recall. -- Rachel

The media is full of distortion and lies. I've heard so many mistakes and misinformation regarding this "headline news' is sickening. I am shocked and will never believe totally any information I recieve from the media again.Unbelievable! -- John

I think Toyota should give us owners more avenues in regards to these defective vehicles. My 08 Tundra has numerous problems that conviently "can not be duplicated" once it got to TOYOTA OF ESCONDIDO. I was told by staff there that even though the accelerator problem could not be duplicated by them, they went ahead and fixed it only because they had to. How can i feel safe with those type of people fixing my truck. -- Virgil

I've sent this to both the Union Tribune and the North County Times, and they refuse to print any of it. I'm guessing they think it's a little too confrontational for their Toyota advertising. What do you think?

As a concerned citizen, I am very curious about the situation with Toyota/Lexus and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of CHP officer Saylor and his family last year. Toyota has announced a mass recall of over 8 million vehicles, ostensibly to replace floor mats and repair accelerators to avoid the same set of events, which presumably caused their deaths.

I’m not so sure Toyota is being completely candid with the public. First of all, after talking to Toyota and researching for myself, I’ve concluded that the ‘stuck accelerator’ was a contributing factor, but not the primary cause of the deaths. Going all the way back to the 70s, I’ve had floor mats which interfered with accelerator operation. With a completely mechanical linkage, there was no doubt what was causing that problem, so I simply reached down and pulled it out while I was driving. However, with the addition of electronics and “fly by wire” accelerators, the facts become murky.

Wouldn’t you think that if your car were accelerating out of control, you’d simply reach up and turn the key off on the steering column or dashboard? I would, but then I don’t own a car with a “keyless ignition” like the ES-series Lexus in which Officer Saylor and his family were riding. After the accident, my curiosity lured me to a Toyota dealer to get the facts. My question was simple: “How do you turn off the engine on the Lexus ES350 when it’s moving? The answer from a spokesman at the service dept. was, “You push the button on the dashboard and HOLD IT FOR 5 SECONDS.” Why the delay? Toyota says it’s to prevent “inadvertent activation” of the button. I can think of a couple ideas better than the delay: How about NO DELAY and a simple guard around the button, or better yet, a good old-fashioned KEY? Pushbutton ignition and remote starting from a key fob are over-engineering, from my standpoint.

Clarifying a little, the car Officer Saylor was driving was a “loaner” from a dealership. If he wasn’t briefed or read the operating manual, how would he have known this procedure? It’s painfully obvious that he wasn’t briefed and didn’t familiarize himself with this.

So, in my opinion, the real culprit in this horrendous sequence of events with the Lexus is the inability to simply turn off the engine immediately. The initial “sticking” of the accelerator is secondary. Toyota is dodging these facts because it’s difficult to imagine easily and cheaply re-engineering all those cars to key-type ignitions. But until this is done, the chance of catastrophic accidents still exists. I sincerely hope legislation forces key-type ignition locks in the future.

Additional facts: Yes, I know that turning off the ignition may create a loss of power steering. I’ve done it, and the car is still steer-able, albeit more difficult. And yes, I realize that turning the key completely to the lock position will lock the steering wheel. This is all acceptable to me as opposed to accelerating out of control to 120mph. -- M. E. Rufe

We asked if you believe John Gardner can get a fair trial in the city of San Diego?

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I think that sex offenders are sick people. They should be isolated from society so they wouldn't be able to harm anyone else. I read John Gardner III's previous case. He only served a sentence of 5 years after pleading guilty to molesting his 13 year old neighbor. The 13 year old girl escaped after being beaten. After reading this I felt disgusted and was wondering why he only received a 6 year sentence and served 5. I think that the law and punishment should be much stricter. I can't believe that a man like that was released back to society. A tragedy like Chelsea's case had to happen for us to realize that change is needed. I am overwhelmed with fear that even the therapist stated Gardner as a threat and there was no red flag raised. I feel sad for Gardner's mother, I don't blame her for her son's actions. Vandalizing her home is no way to bring Chelsea back and doesn't solve anything. It just creates more hate. She probably feels embarrassed and ashamed of her son. I pray that her and the King family are able to move on from this tragedy. I hope that justice is served and Gardner serves a life sentence. -- Deanna

In the current media-fed, cultural hysteria on sex crimes, there is no chance that Gardner wil receive a fair trial ANYWHERE in the U.S. He is a doomed man, regardless of his guilt OR innocence. -- Mike

Chelsea did not get a fair trial, niether should he!!! -- Gary

Who cares if he gets a fair trial, evidence is evidence. They need to throw the book and the chair at this dude. Make this scum an example for any other sex offenders that want to mess with our kids. -- Ed

We asked how you think the Chargers will do without LT.

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Loyalty?? What ever happened to loyaly, it's been replaced by dollar signs. Well no more for me, I have been loyal for 19 years, no bandwagoneer here. They have not done it for San Diego, always close but no cigar. I'm done, the sooner they move to L.A the better. -- Eddie

The chargers chances to win in the playoffs without tomlinson can't be any worse than their chances with him and epic playoff bench sitting. -- Brian

LT has a better chance at getting to the superbowl than the Chargers do for the next three years. Go LT!!! -- Vince

i think the chargers would do much better with out lt :0 -- Mario

I have been saying since 2002 that the Chargers are losers and they will stay losers with or without LT. This is LT's best chance for someone else to win him a ring. -- James Jolly

We asked your opinion on UCSD students planning a ghetto-themed party.

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What goes around, comes around. Black people who showed up in large numbers to elect Barack Obama also voted for Prop 8. Don't condemn hate while practicing hate and discrimination. -- Jenny

So some people had a party where folks attending were supposed to dress up like the negroes we see in movies like Boyz n the Hood, et alia. Sounds funny to me. A good photo opportunity and good laughs. I'm all for this type of humor. Protected groups that believe they should control others' freedom of expression need to learn about who created America, and the freedoms afforded to all. -- Ed

I believe the them and the recommended attire are not racist, it was just a themed party, no different from 80’s party, or favorite move character party, I’m a Mexican and I also deal white racism, but that was just a party, and you never said the ethnicity of the people organizing it, if it were a black person, would it still be considered racist? And if not, that would be racist, because why are they aloud to do that and the rest of us are are not? -- Raul

As long as their is no affiliation with the campus, I feel there should be no punishment. Freedom to express cultural views was and still is why I am an American. And, why is there no White History Month? -- Jay

The fraternity that hosted the party obviously lacks self-esteem and intelligence. In addition, they were obviously bored with their mundane lives. However, what is the point in 'disciplining' them? They showed the school and the community what they are about. That alone, speaks volumes. -- Eileen

If we don't do something NOW it will just keep happening, and the next thing you know blacks kids will not be able to go to school with whites kids, ( they say history repeats its self) -- Diane

I find it disturbing that college students need to go to such lengths to display horrible racial stereotypes, that misrepresent the rich cultural heritage of a group of people. Behind the supposed humor is an underlying issue of hate that needs to be addressed. -- Aaron

Give me a break. Total double standard to make a big deal of the SDSU party. Its a joke, they're in college. It was a private event, mind your own business and put your energy into something more worth while. -- Jeff

Why are people so upset? I have never heard anyone complain about a "pimp" party or a "white trash" party. Take it from an alum, UCSD needs more parties and I hope the students aren't punished. -- Charley

I think that the UCSD sorieties shouldn't be punished. Although what they did was strongly unacceptable, what they did was a part of free speech. Exulting free speech should not be a punishment. -- Milique

I do not think it is wrong for those students to have a party like that. If they punish those kids, they would be against their freedom of speech. There is nothing wrong against expressing their beliefs and thoughts as long as they do not hurt anybody. I hope UCSD does not take charge against these students because they did not hurt anybody and it is outside UCSD's jurisdiction. -- Christiano

I don't think the students of UCSD should be punished by the college for throwing the "compton cookout". They are adults and are free to do whatever they want. Their actions do not define the college, and the college isn't all that defines their lives. Some people may have taken it offensively, but they didn't do anything illegal and shouldn't be treated as if they did. -- Jenna

This students should be punished, and they should be ashamed of themselves, there suppose to have a higher Educations. It's a shame Racism is still strong. It sets a bad example for young kids. We are all the same on the inside. -- Valerie

Regardless of what they say or do ALL students have first amendment rights. -- Tammy

What right does the University have to punish these obnoxious brats? It didn't happen on campus. End of story. They can condemn it all they want, but the University has no dog in this fight. Just because the parents of these dim wits are paying the University to educate their spoiled, unenlightened little sh--s doesn't mean the university has any right to stick their nose into what the little punks are doing off campus. -- Jim

We asked your opinion on fines being issued for excessive water use.

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Like many of the pipes in San Diego, they are broke. Maybe water mis-use fines can be used to fix those pipes! -- Emily

If you really do conserve water, then you will pay less money. How will that affect the water company? They will start charging you a flat rate of $50 just to be hooked up wether you live in your house or not. Think that's crazy? Think again, I used to live in the Lake Arrowhead area. They do that now. Trust me, just wait. -- Vince

I believe that some of the main water breaks problems belongs to the city. Everyday there a main water break within the city. -- Bryan

I say that we should have fines for wasting water it will put people who won't cooperate to actually put attention there is too much warnings now there must be action. -- Ricardo

Fines for excess water abusers are great! This should be the method the city uses to cover the rising costs of supplying water to San Diego, instead of unfairly raising rates on those who conscientiously conserve water on a year round basis. -- Mike

We asked your opinion on the arrest of self-help guru James Arthur Ray.

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This guy had no intention to harm any one how ever people died. He should be made to compensate the familys to the full extent. To lock him up is bazaar, the justice system are quick to detain the innocent but let the murderers and other harmful peolple back on the st. Something is wrong here? Let the man go!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Kuippo

You this is what is wrong with the system you this person that is helping spiritually then again you got Toyota recalling certain vehicles when in fact an off duty officer died after a faulty gas pedal so they say interestingly it was a lexus how come they have recalled theses vehicles and should someone be charghed for in voluntarily manslaughter no something is wrong with the system. -- Jonny

I think it is about time that James Arthur Ray has been arrested and cannot understand why it took so long. He is only being charged with Manslaughter & I think that it should be something stronger. He knew people were having trouble and encouraged them all to stay. A sweat lodge is VERY dangerous and unless you have had experience, your first time should be no more than a few minutes at a time. I'm glad he has been arrested and I hope the families of the victims will finally get justice. -- Vivienne

Mr Ray needed to be arrested a very long time ago. Now justice will be given in the deaths that never should have happened. A sweatlodge is not meant to be a profit making ceremony. As a Native American i find the actions of Mr. Ray disgusting and disrecpectful to all Native Americans. -- Virgil

You people are unreal. What is it about our jury system you don't understand. Again you ask the public to say what they think when they have not sat in a trial or in this case the trial has not even taken place. I can't believe you people. -- James W. Jolly